The Sterling Boys(24)

"Because that's the same fucking jail Maverick and I were in last night—er... early this morning, rather. The cop assumed I was guilty by association and cuffed my ass, too."

I laugh harder, even though I didn't realize it was possible. My laughter tapers off, though, when I look in the rearview mirror to see Rain staring outside. She seems lost in her own world.

"You okay?" Maverick asks her while scooting closer. "My lawyer will get us out of this. Don't worry."

She forces a smile before turning to face him. "I'm good. Just tired and dirty. I think it'll take a while to wash all this out," she says while pointing to the food still stuck in her hair.

He laughs and accepts her lie. I know better. Something is wrong. But I also know I can't probe her. We're not friends anymore. Besides, I'm sure it probably has something to do with Kode. Definitely don't want details on that mess.

When I drop them all off at their cars back at the restaurant, Rain hops out first. I climb out, confused about whether or not I should say anything. By the time I decide to finally act like a man and make sure she's okay, she's already driving away. All I can do is watch, worrying about her like I always used to.





Chapter 6





RAIN




Tears blur my vision, but I manage to choke back a sob as the woman wheels me out to the curb. I only had to spend one night in the hospital, but that's an eternity in a cold, sterile room by yourself.

Though I'm grateful for the fact they managed to get it all, it doesn't make it easier to live with the fact that I can't have children. I knew my mother suffered from more than just breast cancer. I was well versed on the in-depth meaning of endometrial cancer by the time I was eleven, but I thought if I kept a check on it, I could somehow stop it from happening to me. I took all the preventative measures.

A lot of good it did me.

"Have you got someone coming to pick you up? You know I can't let you drive home," the concerned nurse says.

They're already pissed that I didn't have someone with me. They asked me every time they came in my room if I had someone coming to be with me. Fucking nosy hospital people.

"My sister should be here any minute," I mumble, hating the fact that she was the only person I could call.

Maverick and Corbin would have asked too many questions. Kode isn't here, though I doubt I would have asked him either. Dale is probably still tossing Fiona out, or making up with her. Who knows?

I haven't spoken with any of them since the day before yesterday. Not that they haven't tried calling—over and over. But I haven't had the patience to deal with them. Yesterday and today have been about me, and I need to stay focused. I can't fall apart.

The familiar Audi pulls up to the curb, and Tria leaps out, feigning terror.

"Oh my gosh! What the hell happened?"

I didn't call her until thirty minutes ago. She looks like she just rolled out of bed and came straight here—to hell with hair or makeup. I didn't realize she was capable of going out in public looking less than perfect. And I hate her even more because she still looks frigging beautiful.

"I just need a ride home," I mumble as the nurse helps me stand.

I want to cringe, wince, grimace, or slap someone, but I remain stoic, keeping the pain I feel hidden. Damn. That's a sore spot. Standing is a bitch, and it's officially my least favorite thing to do.

"Your house? Just come home with me, Rain," she says, still pretending as though she really cares.

"My house," I say evenly, though it's all I can bite out right now.

She tightens her lips as she helps me into her car, but I can tell she's too freaking curious about what's wrong with me. I do wince when I drop to the low seat too quickly. Now sitting is my least favorite thing to do. Motherfu—

"Rain, you have to tell me what's going on."

I groan as the incessant rambling continues, and then I finally say the first, ridiculous thing that comes to mind as she drives away.

"It was a sugar test," I lie with a shrug and sigh.

"A sugar test doesn't call for a wheelchair ride out."

"I got dizzy. It happens. Just take me home and give me peace. I swear I'll never ask for your help again."

Next time I'll call some random stranger and offer them cash to come pick me up. Anything has to be better than this.

It takes about thirty minutes to get home, even after stopping by the pharmacy, since I was operated on outside of Sterling Shore. I didn't want anyone finding out. Now everyone will know. I had no idea there was some stupid rule about not being able to leave the hospital by yourself. I suppose I should have listened better.

All I can focus on right now is sleep. Lots of wanted sleep.





***

DANE



A loud, pounding startles me awake. It sounds like someone is trying to beat the glass off my door. What the hell?